The Courtyard of Simple Things

Some days, your thoughts need a change of scenery. In the valley of Salce, a village and a Zen monastery share paths, meals, work, and the ordinary difficulties of being human. There is a roof to mend before the rain, a coat that is hard to let go of, and a conversation that cannot be hurried. The Courtyard of Simple Things brings together 30 original stories by Nora Valdés in six parts: uncertainty, anger, loss, hurry, desire, and living alongside others. Each story stands on its own; read them in order or choose the one you need today. After every story, “Something to Take with You” brings the scene into your daily life with a question, a scene, or a brief practice in paying attention, with nothing to write or gather. Zazen, kinhin, and samu are explained simply within the stories. Open the gate. See what deserves a little more attention today.